Teeth cleaning cost & procedure
Teeth cleaning in Melbourne
Regular professional teeth cleaning is an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Also known as a scale and clean, professional teeth cleaning removes plaque, tartar and some surface stains that cannot always be removed through everyday brushing and flossing.
At MC Dental, our experienced dental team provides professional teeth cleaning at six convenient Melbourne locations. Your dentist will assess your teeth and gums and recommend a cleaning schedule based on your individual oral health needs.
What Is Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Professional teeth cleaning is a routine dental treatment that helps remove plaque, tartar and surface deposits from your teeth and around the gum line.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms naturally on your teeth. If it is not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar (also called calculus), which cannot be effectively removed with a toothbrush at home.
During a professional clean, your dentist may use hand instruments or an ultrasonic scaler to remove tartar and plaque. Your teeth may then be polished to remove some surface staining and leave them feeling smoother and cleaner.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Your dentist will first examine your teeth and gums and assess the amount of plaque and tartar present.
Depending on your needs, your appointment may include:
- Removing plaque and tartar with hand instruments or an ultrasonic scaler
- Cleaning around the gum line and accessible areas between the teeth
- Polishing the teeth to remove some surface stains
- Applying fluoride when recommended
- Providing advice on brushing, flossing and other oral hygiene habits
The exact process depends on your oral health. If your dentist finds significant tartar below the gum line or signs of gum disease, they may recommend a more extensive periodontal cleaning.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
Many people have a professional teeth cleaning every 6 – 12 months, but there is no single schedule that suits everyone.
Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleaning if you have:
- Gum disease or a history of gum problems
- Significant tartar build-up
- Difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene
- Dry mouth
- Diabetes or other factors that may affect your oral health
- Certain medications that affect saliva production
- Tobacco use
Your dentist can recommend a cleaning schedule based on your individual needs.
Routine Teeth Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning
A routine scale and clean generally removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gum line.
If you have gum disease and tartar has accumulated below the gum line, your dentist may recommend a more extensive periodontal treatment, such as dental scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). This involves cleaning below the gum line and treating the affected root surfaces.
Deep cleaning is not necessary for everyone. Your dentist will assess your gums and explain whether additional treatment is recommended.
Why Choose MC Dental for Teeth Cleaning?
Six Melbourne Locations
MC Dental has six clinics across Melbourne, making it easier to find a location convenient for home, work or study.
Experienced Dental Team
Our dental team includes more than 35 dentists with experience across general and preventive dentistry.
Multilingual Care
Our team includes dentists and staff who speak multiple languages, making it easier to discuss your dental concerns and treatment.
Convenient Appointments
MC Dental clinics offer appointments seven days a week (*only Brighton opens 6 days at the moment).
Book a Teeth Cleaning Appointment at any of our 6 Melbourne clinics
Looking for professional teeth cleaning or a scale and clean in Melbourne? MC Dental got you covered.
Book online below or call 03 8608 8968. Open 7 days, including public holidays.*
Clinics in Melbourne Central, Docklands, Glen Waverley, Westfield Doncaster, Highpoint, and Brighton. (*Brighton clinic open 6 days.)
FAQ – Teeth Cleaning Melbourne
The cost of teeth cleaning in Melbourne varies based on your oral health, the clinic, and any additional treatments required. For a routine dental clean, expect to pay between $200 and $300+. If deep cleaning is needed, costs will vary based on the extent of treatment.
MC Dental offers New Patients Offer at $239, which includes a comprehensive dental exam, scale and clean, fluoride treatment, and routine X-rays (if needed) for patients without private health insurance. See detail here.
Most dental professionals recommend getting your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months. However, depending on your oral health, you might need more frequent visits. Individuals with gum disease or other specific conditions may require quarterly visits. Please consult your dentist and make plans based on your own condition.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort after a routine teeth cleaning. You may notice some sensitivity, especially if a significant amount of tartar was removed, but this should usually settle within a day or two. If you have had a deep cleaning, you may experience some mild soreness or discomfort afterwards. Your dentist will provide guidance on how to manage it and what to expect during recovery.
A standard teeth cleaning session typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. If additional services or treatments need to be done during the same visit, Your dentist can give you a better idea after assessing your teeth and gums.
Routine teeth cleaning focuses on the surfaces of the teeth and the space between the teeth and gums. It’s preventative in nature. Deep cleaning, is more extensive and is necessary when there’s tartar buildup below the gum line. It involves scaling to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and root planing to smoothen the root and prevent bacteria buildup.
Yes. Please let your dentist know about your sensitivity before your appointment so they can take it into consideration during your cleaning.
Yes, routine dental care and professional cleaning can generally be provided during pregnancy. Let your dentist know that you are pregnant so they can take your individual circumstances into consideration.
Professional teeth cleaning can remove some surface stains, which may make your teeth look cleaner and brighter. It does not bleach the natural colour of your teeth. If you want to noticeably lighten your teeth, ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening.
